Tuesday, 5 May 2026

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (12:07): My question is to the Premier. The government has awarded a 40-year extension to Victoria’s lottery licence to the Lottery Corporation at a value of a high single-digit EBITDA. When New South Wales did the same it achieved a multiple of 13.6 times EBITDA, and South Australia achieved a multiple of 12.9 times. Isn’t it the case that the Premier has rushed into a bad deal for taxpayers to prop up her fake budget surplus?

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Given there is a new seating plan, I may call the wrong member at the wrong time, but I will not tolerate interjections.

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (12:08): The answer is no, and the answer is not only no. I am going to take up the opportunity to remind the Leader of the Opposition and those opposite that when it comes to delivering a surplus in this year’s budget and in future years we are the only jurisdiction on the eastern seaboard to be delivering this surplus. The characterisation of the surplus by the Leader of the Opposition tells Victorians everything they need to know about this Liberal–National coalition.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The member for Bulleen is warned. Member for Bulleen, you have not moved your seat.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is debating the question.

The SPEAKER: Premier, come back to the question.

Jacinta ALLAN: I am very grateful for the member for Brighton, because I was actually coming to a comment that the member for Brighton made last week describing cost-of-living support as a hoax, which tells Victorians everything they need to know about this Liberal–National coalition.

James Newbury: On a point of order, Speaker, the Premier is defying your ruling.

The SPEAKER: The Premier has concluded her answer.

 Jess WILSON (Kew – Leader of the Opposition) (12:10): Why did the government extend this licence without a public tender?

 Jacinta ALLAN (Bendigo East – Premier) (12:10): In regard to this matter, this was dealt with in the usual way, with appropriate probity, oversight –

Members interjecting.

Jacinta ALLAN: I know the member for Bulleen struggles with probity and oversight, but that is the approach that this government took.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! Member for Bulleen, second warning. The member for Brighton will come to order as well.